• Roger van Kollenburg
  • Connie van Kollenburg
  • Roger van Kollenburg
  • Connie van Kollenburg

Convention 2025 USA

NYC to NYC via Boylston, Canada, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee and Peoria Les mer
  • Henry Ford Museum

    16. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Wow this place is on steroids. Hours of walking and so much to see. Roger was in his element with all the engineer equipment and tools.
    Like most things in America everything was HUGE. We spied a Yellow Cab, probably the only one we’ll see on this trip.
    Lots of walking, I feel old and my feel hurt. 🤣
    Time for dinner.
    But before we leave we notice the staff setting up for a wedding….. 💒 What a back drop.
    Now off to Ford’s Garage for Burgers and Craft Beer.
    Les mer

  • Ford’s Garage Diner

    16. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Our servers Kristina & Kelly were out of this world amazing. Thank you ladies.

    The food was spectacular- Highway 101 and the Ford Signature burgers were juicy and delicious. Thanks chef.

    Did you know if you tip your servers using a credit card they get taxed on it!!!! Disgusting… pay them cash coz they earn every cent….

    Oh and this place is crazy amazing. If you’re in this neck of the woods make sure you drop in… ❤️
    Les mer

  • Breakfast back at the Garage

    17. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    We decided that the food was so good at The Ford Garage (Dearborn Michigan) we’ll do Sunday Brunch.
    Breakfast Burrito & Brunch Burger.
    This place is so cool. Hey Alex, you’ll be pleased to know we love at least 2 things Ford - the food and drink…. 🤭

    After brunch we’ll hit the road for Chicago.
    Les mer

  • Bootleggers

    17. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Well we hit the road from Detroit after picking up some “supplies”. We’ve crossed 4 state lines - Michigan, Ohio, Indiana now Illinois. So technically the Jack Daniels we’ve bought with us is, has turned us into bootleggers 🤣.

    We’ve checked into our hotel, The Congress Plaza. We’ve been upgraded and have a clear view of The Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. This place is off tap, first City we’ve been in that everyone got a horn for Christmas…. And the Emergency Services are a bit busy out on the street.
    About the wander down to the start of Route 66 to have the obligatory photo taken with the sign, then dinner.
    Tomorrow we’re booked into the Crime and Mob Bus Tour…. It’ll give us an insight into Al Capone and the rest of the crims of Chicago.
    Les mer

  • Chicago - we made it

    17. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    After a lazy drive (and some crap road works) we’ve made it to Chicago and the Congress Plaza Hotel. Upgrade to a lake view room is awesome! Then the walk (Interrupted by Chicagos finest) to the official start of Route 66 & a stroll to the Buckingham fountain! Now for some dinner and bed, tomorrow we do the Chicago crime tour to get our Al Capone on lolLes mer

  • Chicago Crime Tour

    18. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Easy start to the day! Then on a local bus to get to the Chicago Crime tour bus! A chance to learn about some of Chicago’s dark side (Queue evil laugh)

    Can you believe we took public transport in Chicago!!!! Photo proves it - lolLes mer

  • The vehicles you see!!!

    18. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    I really don’t understand the fascination, this vehicle whilst electric it appears to be someone’s idea of a joke that people are actually buying!!!!! 🤪

  • Our first Harley Dealer this trip

    18. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    We’ve been so busy being a tourist we’ve completely forgotten to hit the Harley Dealers….

    House of Harley in Milwaukee was hit today. We find out the owner has his very own Fire Truck parked out the front…. How cool. Couple of t-shirts and some poker chips before we head to the hotel.
    Oh for those not aware, the artwork Roger is standing next to is Sammy Hager - singer from the bands Montrose, Van Halen & Chicken foot. And he’s a soloist in his own right…. But of a bromance!!!! 🤭
    Can’t wait to see it - Iron Horse Hotel…. One guess why it’s named the way it is?????
    Les mer

  • Iron Horse - Milwaukee

    18. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ 🌧 25 °C

    As expected the Hotel is all about motorcycles. Thankfully we’re booked in for two nights because it’s going to take us that long to see everything. Photos do not do this place justice. I may have to steal some professional shots from the website…. 🤣 (which I haven’t done yet)Les mer

  • Millers Brewery - No, it’s a Clipper

    19. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We thought we’d be clever and head to the Brewery for a tour, guess what? It’s closed, storm damage 🥹

    But there was something better to see…… A Flxible Clipper parked out front. Obviously used for advertising, but a Flx all the same.

    What a find. ❤️
    Les mer

  • Yes, we still have chores

    19. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    After an afternoon of shopping come some home duties!! Washing, I guess 10 days on the road will lead to that lol… but guess what? - more fire Trucks 😎

  • What an afternoon

    19. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    So the brewery was closed so we’ll head elsewhere - to another Harley Dealer… because why not.
    We’re in the birthplace so it’s fitting we see them all.
    Some more shirts, t-shirts, hats, poker chips and of course a fridge magnet…at this rate we’re gunna need another fridge at home. LOL
    All good shopping must come to an end, time for some chores to be done - the dreaded washing…. On a positive the Laundromat was clean and quick. 10 days worth of clothes washed and dried in 1 hour…..love it.
    Back to our hotel for a rest and a couple of Jacks. But not before seeing yet more Fire Trucks on their way to a job.
    Cheers🥃🥃
    Les mer

  • Route 66

    20. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    It’s been a long drive today. Old Route 66 twists and turns, disappears, reappears and is in need of some love and care. Much of the road from Chicago is long gone, parts are still drivable though.
    As we made our way to Joliet we’re fully aware of all the roadworks - they’re everywhere on all types of roads. Our expected 5 hour day has turned into 7+. Oh well, it’s not often you can do these things so here we are.
    Visited the Joliet Prison (Blues brothers & Prison Break film sight)
    Major accident in the heart of Joliet which saw first responders doing their job and sorting it out. I think every appliance is there.
    Stopped to see the Green Giant at Wilmington Illinois…. (So many towns are named the sane across this county- I’m so confused).
    Then we see a Tesla towing a petrol guzzling speed boat… doing his bit to save the planet obviously…..🤣
    We push on to Peoria, we have a dinner to celebrate Chuck & Brandi’s 20th Wedding Anniversary.
    Les mer

  • Peoria - we made it

    20. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We’ve made it to the host hotel and only have time to drop our luggage in the room before heading out to dinner with the gang.
    20th Anniversary for Chuck & Brandi.
    Caught up with so many friends, it was awesome.
    We’ll see more people tomorrow.

    Time to relax with everyone back at the hotel. Lots of laughs & stories to be had. 🥃🥃🥃🥃

    Our room is spacious with a separate lounge, another upgrade - winning.
    Les mer

  • Merchandise & Raffle Sales kinda day

    21. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Today was a little quieter, caught up with people as they arrived then sat around to sell raffle tickets, merchandise & generally sprook 2026 Convention by talking all things Australia….🇦🇺

    Dinner at Logan’s next door was lack lustre and took forever. Wandered back at the host Hotel we thought it was time to take our “welcome to convention photo”… we got so busy last night we missed the opportunity.

    Relax and a Jack, time to chat to some more friends. Dare I say it I think I’m all talked out.
    Les mer

  • Memorial Ride - first stop

    22. august 2025, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Amazing ride with many bikes. Not something I’ve seen in years.
    First stop - Mason City Fire Department. The volunteers have put on lunch for us and opened their station for us. No hesitation in donating some funds.
    Love this Red Knight family.
    Les mer